Rangers Take the 2012 Winter Classic - Sign Up for Tickets for 2013

In a game that was being hyped before it was even announced, the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers showed that maybe a rivalry game is the way to go for future Winter Classics, this game was unbelievable!

End to end action, acrobatic goaltending, more hits than any other Winter Classic in history and all done outside and in front of over 45,000 fans.

The Flyers established a 2-0 lead in the second period but less than one minute after their second goal, New York's Mike Rupp scored on a wrist shot and borrowed the "salute" goal celebration from Philadelphia's Jaromir Jagr. The crowd, and the Flyers, did not appreciate that gesture and will certainly file it away in their memories for future matches against New York.

Their dislike for Rupp however was not enough to stop him from scoring again. A player more known for his fisticuffs, Rupp scored again in the third period to the tie the game early. This was a key goal for New York as the outdoor ice surface was unpredictable and trying to come back in these conditions could prove to be difficult. The Flyers were faced with just that challenge when off-season free agent signee Brad Richards scored to suddenly give New York a 3-2 lead. Stationed off to the side of the cage, Richards cashed in on a loose puck as he rifled it over Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky who was given the start over their own big ticket off-season free agent, Ilya Bryzgalov.

The Flyers found themselves in an uphill battle as the Rangers protected the lead well until Ryan McDonagh took a delay of game penalty with nearly 5 minutes remaining. The Flyers couldn't break through on the power play but carried play the rest of the way after that.

In the closing minute with their goalie pulled, the Flyers nearly scored to tie the game but McDonagh was there to save the day as he slide behind NY's goalie Henrik Lundqvist and swept the puck out of danger for NY. As a result McDonagh was called for closing his hand on the puck in the crease which is a mandatory penalty shot for the other team.

With only 19.6 seconds left the Flyers sent Danny Briere out to try to tie the game with a penalty shot. Lundqvist was up to the challenge though as Briere's shot couldn't find a way between Lundqvist's legs and was turned away. The Rangers sealed the victory after was is about the most thrilling and dramatic way to end a game.

Even fans on the losing side left the stadium with smiles on their faces, it was a magnificent event and the NHL just gets it with this one. Well done Philadelphia, New York and the entire NHL - this event is just going to grow and get better and better every year. Amazing!

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